- At 16,001 feet, Denver International boasts the longest commercial runway in the U.S.
- Runway orientations are decided based on the historical wind directions and most major airports have several runways oriented in different directions to allow for differing winds
- Runways are numbered 01 to 36 corresponding to the first 2 digits of the compass heading
- Most modern runways are made of concrete with grooves to help prevent hydroplaning
- If a runway can be used from both directions the two designations will always be 18, for 180 degrees, apart
- Cleveland boasts the first lighted runway, added in 1930
- Aircraft normally take off into the wind
- The world’s longest commercial runway is located in Tibet and is 18,045 feet long
- In some locations, such as Scandinavia, white runway markings are replaced with yellow for better contrast against snow
- Due to differences in air density, planes require longer runways at high altitude or in hot, humid conditions
